Posted by Greenbang on June 4th, 2009
By promoting innovation in renewable energy sources (RES), the European Union could see a gross domestic product in 2020 that’s about 10 per cent higher than would be expected under a “business as usual” approach, according to a new study carried out on behalf of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Energy and Transport.
The study, the first ever to assess in detail the economic effects of supporting RES, also found that strong RES policies would promote better job growth in the EU. The authors projected a potential gain of 396,000 to 417,000 employees by 2020, compared to business-as-usual expectations of 115,000 to 201,000 new employees.
According to the study, the jobs and economic benefits vary by technology, with biomass and onshore wind developments generating the best growth in the short term.
“Recent strong growth in comparably low-cost biomass and onshore wind projects needs to be sustained, as these technologies are expected to generate most of the near-term future RES production, employment and economic growth,” the study states. “More innovative technologies such as photovoltaic, offshore wind, solar thermal electricity and second-generation biofuels require more financial support in the short term, but it is precisely these technologies that are key to achieving the EU’s 2020 RES target and higher shares in the future, to maintain the EU’s current competitive position in the global market for RES technologies and to increase employment and GDP in the midterm.”
“This shows that benefits of renewables in terms of security of supply and fighting climate change can go hand in hand with economic benefits,” said Andris Piebalgs, the EU’s Energy Commissioner.
Posted by Greenbang on May 11th, 2009
The global reach of electronic technologies creates a new “fragility and brittleness” for institutions of power in times of major, unexpected crises, according to a study published today by Oxford’s Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism (RISJ).
TV news presenter and Visiting Fellow at the RISJ Nik Gowing describes his findings in “Skyful of Lies and Black Swans.”
Gowing’s study examines the policy impact of the “fast proliferating and ubiquitous breed of ‘information-doers.’ ” He finds the unprecedented mass ability to record dramatic, unfolding events on cheap, lightweight technologies is defining a new, broader, almost infinite media matrix. That matrix can catch institutions of power off guard in a crisis, leaving them open to accusations and the appearance of failure, he says.
“This global electronic reach catches institutions unaware,” Gowings writes in his study. “Technological changes are redefining, broadening and fragmenting the media landscape in dramatic ways … Even in the most remote and hostile location, hundreds of millions of electronic eyes and ears are creating a capacity for scrutiny and new demands for accountability. It is way beyond the assumed power and influence of the traditional media.”
The two-year study draws on candid revelations by politicians, officials and corporate executives during extensive interviews. It analyses examples where the public positions of institutions have been undermined by the new “information doer” matrix of social media. These include major crises involving NATO and the US military in Afghanistan, the British military in Iraq, and the Metropolitan Police over the handling of the 7/7 bombings and shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes.
A key finding is that real-time information flows in a crisis produce real-time insight into a developing crisis, which is far more rapid and comprehensive than the institutions of power are primed to embrace or respond to.
“The new real-time media realities are harsh,” Gowings says. “But once understood, embraced and acted upon the proposed solutions are compelling. They represent a path to institutional effectiveness and credibility when these are currently lacking.”
Posted by Greenbang on May 8th, 2009
Public building operators are ‘”woefully behind” planned government targets for Display Energy Certificates (DECs), according to energy consultancy IMServ.
Figures obtained from the Government show that only 22,986 DECs have so far been submitted, 55 per cent less than the 50,000 that had been expected as of October 2008, when the certificates were made a legal requirement for all public buildings.
The 27,000 non-complying public building operators, if caught, would be liable for fines totalling up to £40.5 million. Buildings within that category include airports, leisure centres and shopping centres.
“It’s alarming that businesses are so woefully behind target on this,” said Steve Brown, managing director of IMServ. “Display Energy Certificates are the tip of the iceberg in terms of the energy and environment legislation that companies will be required to adapt to over the coming years, particularly in light of the heavy green focus in (the new) Budget.”
Brown added, “The Government must introduce carrot as well as stick initiatives to encourage businesses to act, but at the same time, there needs to be a change of culture in UK businesses so that carbon and energy saving is considered a Board-level issue rather than a side-line problem. If this trend continues, it will have a major impact on the UK’s wider plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions.”
Businesses need to realise that energy savings, rather than being a “headache,” offer real cost savings potential, Brown said.
“Some of the measures suggested by government could save businesses 15 per cent, and no business can afford to ignore that sort of saving in the current climate,” he said.
Posted by Greenbang on April 22nd, 2009
It’s Budget Day today, and here’s what the Right Honourable Alistair Darling MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, had to say to the House of Commons:
“(T)oday’s Budget will continue to help people through this global recession, and prepare Britain for the opportunities of the future.
“Firstly, there will be help now to get people back into work quickly, and support businesses and homeowners facing problems. Secondly, there will be measures to support investment in the growth and green industries of the future — while, as the recovery takes hold, ensure our public finances are sustainable.
“Taken together, this Budget will build on the strengths of the British economy and its people, speed the recovery, providing jobs and spreading prosperity.”
The budget includes “the world’s first ever carbon budget,” which will commit the UK to cutting its carbon emissions by 34 per cent by 2020.
Other elements in the budget include:
- More than £260 million in new money for job training and subsidies to help young people prepare for employment in sectors with strong future demand;
- A £2,000 discount on new vehicles for motorists who trade in cars over ten years old, available through March 2010;
- £1 billion to combat climate change through support for low-carbon industries and green-collar jobs;
- £100 million for local authorities to build new energy-efficient housing;
- A £750 million Strategic Investment Fund to support emerging technologies and regionally important sectors;
- £435 million of extra support to deliver energy efficiency measures to homes, businesses and public buildings;
- £525 million of new financial support over the next two years for offshore wind energy development;
- A Climate Change Levy exemption through 2013 to encourage projects developing combined heat and power technology;
- £405 million of new funding to promote low-carbon energy and advanced green manufacturing in Britain;
In response to the budget, here’s what others had to say:
Robin Cohen, a partner in Deloitte’s Economic Consulting Practice: “We will need to understand the detail of what the Chancellor has proposed, however all help for this sector is very welcome and should have the most impact for marginal wind power projects. The current estimates of the costs of building offshore wind to meet the Government’s renewable energy targets for 2020, are in the order of £70-90 billion. This expenditure needs to compete with other investment opportunities and in particular with available feed-in tariffs in other countries. The Government’s proposals to provide additional support of £525m to early projects reaching financial close between now and 2011 is clearly significant in terms of countering some of the advantages of lower risk feed-in tariffs available elsewhere.”
John Piggott, Associate-Director, Arup: “The additional funding for offshore wind and the new line of credit from the European Investment Bank are both positive measures that should be welcomed. The additional £525 million for offshore wind is funded through the Renewables Obligation, so it is a redistribution of an existing budget, rather than new money, but it is important nonetheless. It means that we can make progress with offshore wind and grow an important UK industry at the same time, protecting jobs and in the longer term, competing in the global wind energy market.”
Kevin Brennan, Head of Sustainability, VELUX Company Ltd.: “Today’s carbon budget is good news for the consumer and the environment. It provides a clear indication of the Government’s continued commitment to the UK’s green agenda. A cash injection of £375 million to support energy efficiency across the UK’s homes and businesses will not only enable us to significantly reduce carbon emissions, but will ensure the continued employment and development within the green technology sector, which is vital if we are to meet the UK’s newly proposed target for a 34 per cent reduction in emissions by 2020 … However, with such a strong focus on improving energy efficiency in today’s budget, I would have liked to see the launch of a range of meaningful financial incentives and a Government accreditation scheme to assist homeowners when installing measures such as solar thermal into their homes. Consumer awareness around the need to improve a home’s energy efficiency is gradually increasing, but consumers now need support and advice on selecting the right eco technologies to ensure maximum benefit.”
Tom Delay, CEO, Carbon Trust: “This budget is good news for carbon reduction. Moving forward we will work with Government to ensure that the funding announced delivers maximum carbon impact and good overall value for money for Britain … We can make the UK a global hub for low carbon innovation despite strong international competition. With limited public funding we must invest in technology areas where we have real strengths and commit to support these over time. Therefore, the decision on offshore wind to provide additional support is very welcome. Offshore wind is a great example of a proven technology worthy of focussed support to drive down costs. The winds blow hard around the UK, we’ve got experience of offshore engineering from the North Sea and we can lead the world offshore generating tens of thousands of new jobs in the process.”
Stephen Joseph, executive director, Campaign for Better Transport: “This (car scrappage) scheme has no environmental criteria, so it won’t result in greener cars. And it won’t even help save British jobs — it’ll subsidise cars made abroad. The Government says it wants to cut carbon emissions, but in practice it is subsidising gas guzzlers. Instead of the scrappage scheme, the Government should have supported local transport projects such as trams in Liverpool, road maintenance and cycling schemes to safeguard skilled ‘green collar’ jobs in Britain.”
Posted by Greenbang on April 7th, 2009
Exports from the UK’s small-wind-energy sector showed strong growth last year, thanks to a combination of increased demand from overseas and a weakened British pound, according to the British Wind Energy Association (BWEA).
The BWEA’s figures, set for release at the International Small Wind Conference on 22 April, shows export revenues doubled in 2008 compared to 2007. UK small wind-system manufacturers have exported more than 10,000 small turbines since 2005.
“The small wind sector is demonstrating that the UK can have a world leading low carbon industry,” said Alex Murley, BWEA Small Systems Manager. “UK small wind system manufacturers have consistently shown that they can compete in world markets. What we need now is action to increase deployment in the UK.”
Britain currently has more than 20 megawatts of installed small-wind system capacity. However, the BWEA estimates the UK’s full potential at 1.3 gigawatts by 2020, if the industry is given proper policy support.
“History has shown us that countries like Spain, Denmark, and Germany have vibrant large wind turbine manufacturing industries, because their respective governments supported indigenous markets at an early stage,” Murley said. “If sufficiently supported now, the emerging UK small wind industry could supply rapidly expanding world markets for decades to come, delivering UK based jobs, environmental and lucrative economic benefits.”
Posted by Greenbang on April 6th, 2009
The green spending portion of the UK’s economic stimulus package will have a minuscule impact on the nation’s carbon emissions, according to a new economics foundation (nef) report commissioned by Greenpeace.
The report finds that the new green spending will delay the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions by less than half a day over three years’ time.
“Green Stimulus or Simulus?” states the government could be missing out on the opportunity to boost the economy, ensure energy security and respond to climate change by not doing more to encourage an environment transformation of the economy.
Among the report’s findings:
- New green spending accounts for just 0.6 percent of the UK’s £20 billion recovery plan, or only 0.0083 percent of UK GDP;
- The £100 million allocated for green measures is less than 13 percent of the annual bonus package given to staff at the failed Royal Bank of Scotland, estimated at about £775 million;
- Some aspects of the stimulus package work against the green elements with, for example, £2.3 billion allocated for the auto industry — around 22 times as much as budgeted for green measures;
- The new green measures included in the package will save just one-tenth of a megatonne of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere each year.
“We face a unique alignment of economic and environmental interests,” said nef’s Andrew Simms, co-author of the report. “Investing in rapid transition away from the UK’s fossil fuel dependence could provide a parachute for a troubled economy. But, it feels like the government has cut the parachute strings and pushed green energy, efficiency and conservation from the plane.”
Posted by Greenbang on March 17th, 2009
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger this week launched a new California Green Corps to help at-risk young adults find green-collar jobs.
The programme will begin with a 20-month pilot targeting 1,000 at-risk Californians between the ages of 16 and 24. A public-private initiative, the Green Corps will provide green job training, stipends, educational requirements and community service.
“President Obama and I share similar priorities right now when it comes to helping the economy rebound and creating a greener California and America,” Schwarzenegger said. “In California we will utilise federal economic stimulus funds and public-private partnerships to help stimulate our economy while initiating actions to improve our environment. Green jobs are exactly what our economy and environment need right now — and the California Green Corps targets that need while helping at-risk young adults realize a brighter future.”
The startup programme is being financed with $10 million in federal economic stimulus funding and $10 from public-private partnerships.
Posted by Greenbang on March 10th, 2009
Van Jones, a leading proponent of green jobs development, has been tapped to become President Barack Obama’s first-ever “Green Jobs Czar,” according to the White House Council on Environmental Quality.
The appointment was announced by council chair Nancy Sutley, who added that Jones will come on board starting next week.
Founder and president of Green for All, Jones has already been providing advice to the White House through his participation in the new Middle Class Task Force headed up by Vice President Joe Biden. He was recently one of three panelists to take part in a discussion on “Green Jobs: What are They & How Can They Help the Middle Class?”
Green for All is a nationwide organisation dedicated to “building an inclusive green economy strong enough to lift people out of poverty.”
Jones is also author of the book, “The Green Collar Economy: How One Solution Can Fix Our Two Biggest Problems.”
Posted by Greenbang on February 20th, 2009
As if corn-based ethanol hasn’t already taken enough of a beating for taking food out of people’s mouths and being a loser in the energy-equation and greenhouse-gas departments … now comes news that a prominent Saudi scholar warns that using biofuels is a sin.
The Al Arabiya News Channel reports that Sheikh Mohamed Al-Najimi is cautioning Muslim youths who study abroad not to use ethanol in their vehicles because the fuel is essentially alcohol, which Islam prohibits.
It’s not a fatwa just yet, though: the sheikh acknowledges the warning is — for now — just a personal opinion. However, he adds, the issue of biofuel use should be studied by religious bodies for a more definitive ruling.
(Hat tip to Biofuels Digest.)
Posted by Greenbang on January 29th, 2009
The European Commission today proposed spending €5 billion of unspent funds from the EU’s budget to stimulate the economy while building for longer-term energy security and wider broadband access across the continent.
“The EU’s Recovery Plan is all about ’smart investment’ — a short-term stimulus targeted on long-term goals,” said Commission President José Manuel Barroso. “We need to learn the lessons of the recent gas crisis and invest heavily in energy. We also need to stimulate the European economy by providing information highways in rural communities.”
The proposal calls for:
- €3.5 billion for carbon capture and storage investments;
- €1.75 billion for gas and electricity interconnection projects;
- €1 billion to extend and upgrade broadband Internet access in rural parts of Europe;
- €500 million for offshore wind projects; and
- €500 million for a “health check” of the Common Agricultural Policy, with a focus on the new challenges posed by climate change, renewable energy, water management, biodiversity and dairy restructuring.
